adminNgqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THIS year’s PPC Matopos 33 Miler Ultra Marathon is set to have electronic timers as the race aims at ensuring accurate race times in line with world-class standards.
The country’s premier ultra-marathon will this year be run on 24 March.
In a statement on the marathon’s website, the organisers, PPC Zimbabwe announced that they have partnered with ChampionChip Africa for this year’s race and bibs are set to have electronic timer chips.
“We have partnered the leading electronic race timers in Africa and official race timers to the Comrades Marathon, ChampionChip Africa as our official IT partner, and this means that all those running the33 Miler (53km) Ultra Marathon and 21km half marathon will have electronic chips on their race numbers.
“This ensures accurate timing as well as meeting world class standards,” read the statement.
Bulawayo Athletic Board chairman, Manuel Mpofu welcomed the introduction of the electronic chips saying it will go a long way in attracting participants beyond Zimbabwe.
He said being the country’s top ultra marathon, it is expected to attract international athletes.
“I think it is a very positive development that will go a long way in boosting the image of the race to both local and international athletes. We are hopeful with more such professional gestures the race will get more recognition as being among the top races not only in Zimbabwe but also in Southern Africa and beyond,” he said.
The theme for this year is “Run Your Race” with the organisers stating that it denotes that anyone can participate in the race for whatever reason, whether it is to “challenge yourself, beat yourself and enjoy yourself”.
Huge numbers are expected at the sixth edition of the marathon following the introduction of online registration for the first time and it has already opened on the race’s website, matoposmarathon.com.
In addition to the ultra marathon and half marathon, the race has a 10km and 5km fun runs.
Last year, Mutare-based athlete, Lyno Muchena won the race ahead of second-placed Andrew Chimbidzikai of Black Rhinos and 2016 winner Peter Tumbare of the Airforce of Zimbabwe.
The women’s race was won by Lizzy Chokore, with veteran runner Samukeliso Moyo coming second while Monica Kativhu, the 2016 champion was in third place.
Misheck Sithole won the men’s 21km race, Canisious Nyatsamba was second and Jacob Mugomeri third.
In the women’s section, Chiedza Chokore was the winner, Bertha Chikanga took second spot and the seasoned Thabitha Tsatsa finished third.
According to the event website, the Matopos 33 Miler was first run in 1963, along much the identical route as being used for the current race and is the only ultra-marathon in Zimbabwe.
The race starts in the wonderful Matobo National Park, in the heart of the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site. PPC Zimbabwe revived the race in 2013 and has been sponsoring it ever since.
derick.khumalo